The wedding is a huge milestone. And across the world, people have always looked for signs – omens – about whether the 結婚 will be lucky or domed.
Some of these signs are strange, creepy, and others are just funny. From the US to Mongolia, cultures have their own weird beliefs about what might jinx a marriage or bring good luck.
So, if you’re also into quirky traditions, keep reading!
1. Black Cat Crossing the Path (USA)
In many parts of the US, black cat crossing your path is thought to bring bad luck. People believe it’s a sign of misfortune or でさえ 死去 lurking around the corner.
Some say it’s a warning to be cautious, while others see it as a sign that the marriage might not be smooth sailing.
Either way, many brides and grooms avoid black cats altogether on their wedding day!
2. Breaking a Mirror (England)
In England, if a mirror breaks just before or during a wedding, it’s considered extremely unlucky.
The superstition says that a broken mirror can bring about seven years of bad luck, and some believe it could even ruin the marriage.
So, many couples make sure to keep an eye on their mirrors and avoid any accidental shattering. Otherwise, they say, they might be cursed with bad luck for years!
3. Seeing a Spider on the Wedding Day (Scotland)
In Scottish tradition, if you see a spider crawling on your wedding dress or veil, it’s actually a sign of good luck!
But, beware! If the spider bites you, that’s a 凶兆!
It’s a strange twist, because spiders are usually seen as creepy, but here they’re believed to bring prosperity to the bride and groom.
Spiders are seen as tiny fortune tellers in Scottish wedding folklore!
4. Leaving Shoes Behind (France)
In France, if a bride accidentally leaves her shoes behind or if her shoes are missing on the day of the wedding, it’s seen as a bad omen.
The superstition says that the bride might lose her husband or face bad luck in her marriage.
So, French brides are super careful to keep their shoes close and safe, because a missing shoe could spell trouble for their new life together.
5. Seeing a Black Cat (Russia)
In Russia, merely seeing a black cat is often viewed as a sign of bad luck, especially before a wedding. Some Russians even believe it can mean trouble or separation down the line.
Meanwhile, in some regions, a black cat is considered a protector, so it’s a mixed bag of superstitions!
Still, most couples prefer to avoid black cats on their special day to steer clear of any misfortune.
6. Cutting the Bride’s Hair (China)
In Chinese superstition, cutting the bride’s hair before the wedding is a bad omen. It’s believed to cut off her luck and happiness in her marriage.
Instead, the focus is on keeping her hair long and healthy. This symbolizes prosperity and a long, happy life.
So, Chinese brides usually go to great lengths to protect their hair, and avoid any accidental trims before tying the knot!
7. The Bride Waiting at the Altar (Mongolia)
In Mongolia, if the groom leaves the bride standing at the altar, or if he hesitates in front of her, it’s a sign of bad luck.
It’s believed that this could bring dishonor or misfortune to the couple’s future.
Mongolian traditions emphasize trust and confidence, so any sign of doubt or hesitation on the wedding day is seen as a serious omen of trouble ahead.
8. Bleeding Before the Wedding (Japan)
In Japan, if a bride experiences bleeding before her wedding, it’s thought to be a bad omen. It’s believed to foretell illness or misfortune in the marriage.
Because of this, many Japanese brides take extra precaution with their health leading up to the big day.
In some cases, they even avoid cutting their hair or nails to prevent any signs of bad luck from appearing.
9. Seeing a Crow or a Raven (Greece)
In Greek tradition, since the ancient times, seeing either of these black birds on your wedding day was a sign of 不運. Sometimes, it even meant impending death!
These birds are associated with death and the underworld, so their appearance is considered ominous.
To ward off bad luck, Greek couples avoid crows or ravens on their special day, or try to spook them away if they appear.
10. Dropping the Bouquet (India)
In Indian wedding superstition, if the bride drops her bouquet during the ceremony, it’s believed she might have issues with fertility or the marriage might face obstacles.
Brides are advised to practice holding their bouquet firmly and avoid any accidental drops.
It’s a strange but common belief that keeps brides extra cautious about every step during the ceremony.
11. Seeing a Star Falling (Mongolia)
In Mongolia, if a star falls during the wedding celebration, it’s considered a bad omen. People think it signifies 不運, or even 死去 coming soon.
Because of this, Mongolian couples often look up at the sky nervously during their special day, and hope no stars fall.
That way, they can start their married life on a positive note.
12. Wearing the Wrong Shoes (Italy)
In Italy, wearing the wrong kind of shoes on your wedding day – like sneakers or casual shoes – can be seen as a bad omen.
It’s believed that this might bring dishonor or instability to the marriage.
Brides and grooms usually invest in special shoes, or at least make sure their footwear is traditional and elegant, to keep bad luck at bay.
13. Seeing an Owl (Native American)
In some Native American tribes, spotting and owl on your wedding day is a sign of death or bad luck.
Owls are often associated with spirits and the afterlife, so their appearance is considered a warning.
Many couples try to avoid owls or any signs of them during the ceremony and the rest of the day, to prevent bad omens from spoiling their future together.
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery. Through my writing, I hope to empower readers to align with their true selves and navigate life’s mysteries with confidence.